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Real Estate News |
Closing deadline extended for tax credit
Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:00:00 CST
Thousands of Texas homebuyers in jeopardy of losing their federal homebuyer tax credit have received a reprieve. ..[read more]
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Ask George and Chuck
Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:00:00 CST
Dear George: What are some pitfalls to avoid with my short sale?..[read more]
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You might qualify for homebuyer assistance
Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:00:00 CST
I wish there had been a Web site like TxHomePrograms.org when I was buying my first house. ..[read more]
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Ask George and Chuck
Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:00:00 CST
Dear George: Should I disclose that I'm selling a haunted house?..[read more]
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Rules of thumb for judging investment home, cash flow
Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:00:00 CST
If you bought an investment home now and rented out, is there any way of knowing if it will appreciate?..[read more]
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Was the homebuyer tax credit a bad deal? Hardly
Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:00:00 CST
Things are often more complicated than they seem...[read more]
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Ask George and Chuck
Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:00:00 CST
Dear George: I just found out that the seller "forgot" to disclose a water claim. What can I do?..[read more]
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Light rail ... urban transformers?
Thu, 27 May 2010 09:00:00 CST
Its worth considering that the benefits of light rail may go beyond how many vehicles it removes from the road...[read more]
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Ask George and Chuck
Mon, 24 May 2010 09:00:00 CST
Dear George: How can I lend someone money and use his property as collateral?..[read more]
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Not quite an open and shut case
Tue, 18 May 2010 09:00:00 CST
If you're wondering whether you should you hold an open house.......[read more]
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Ask George and Chuck
Mon, 17 May 2010 09:00:00 CST
Dear George: The contract to sell my house expires this week. How much longer am I obligated to my agent?.......[read more]
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Even past the deadline, homebuyer assistance is available
Tue, 04 May 2010 09:00:00 CST
The federal homebuyer tax credit has received a lot of coverage over the past several months, but one thing not widely publicized is that the April 30 deadline doesn't apply to everyone.......[read more]
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Texans pay less of our income on shelter
Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:00:00 CST
Texas' lower-than-national-average housing cost is one reason for the state's higher-than-national-average growth rate.......[read more]
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I've heard of a Trojan horse, but a Trojan house?
Wed, 21 Apr 2010 09:00:00 CST
How much do you know about private transfer fees in Texas? Gabe Lopez discusses a disturbing new trend.......[read more]
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Get moving to qualify for the federal homebuyer tax credit
Tue, 20 Apr 2010 09:00:00 CST
It's coming down to the wire. You have only until the end of April to get a house under contract if you want to take advantage of the federal homebuyer tax credit.......[read more]
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Ask George and Chuck
Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:00:00 CST
Dear George: Does a seller have to provide a disclosure notice for a short sale?.......[read more]
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The best way to know what you're getting into
Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:00:00 CST
If you're buying or selling real estate, I have a must-read for you .......[read more]
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Ask George and Chuck
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:00:00 CST
Dear George: A seller accepted my offer via e-mail. Is that legally binding?.......[read more]
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How to know if estimated loan fees will stick
Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:00:00 CST
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has revised some home-loan rules that attempt to give us what we want........[read more]
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Using a real estate IRA to acquire property in Mexico
Tue, 23 Mar 2010 09:00:00 CST
Like second-home sales in the U.S., the sales of Mexican homes have been limping along.......[read more]
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A tale of Texas taxes
Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:00:00 CST
Here is one assertion I bet all Texans will agree with - property taxes in our state have a peculiar way of increasing.......[read more]
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Prepare yourself for a good closing
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 CST
Closing is a process that begins weeks before the actual closing date, and follows an outline dictated largely by the buyer's original offer.......[read more]
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Understanding the lingo - comps
Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:00:00 CST
So, you're selling your home and everyone you interviewed to list your home has mentioned "pulling comps"........[read more]
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Forget the forecast; look out the window
Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:00:00 CST
Hanging on through difficult economic times means different things to different people........[read more]
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Some luxury developers await quality investors, buyers
Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:00:00 CST
Hanging on through difficult economic times means different things to different people........[read more]
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All real estate is local
Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:00:00 CST
Is it a seller's market or a buyer's market? Be careful where you get your information........[read more]
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The secret's out
Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:00:00 CST
It's one of the worst-kept secrets out there: Texas is a great place to live........[read more]
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Keep copies
Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:00:00 CST
It's important to keep the paperwork.......[read more]
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Homestead exemption scams
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:00:00 CST
You must apply for the exemption, but there is no fee associated with applying for a homestead exemption.......[read more]
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Some lenders too picky on foreclosure financing
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:00:00 CST
Remember when lenders were content to sell foreclosed homes to any qualified buyer?.......[read more]
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If the last tree in the forest falls...
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:00:00 CST
If governmental entities had full discretion on what was a public good, all private real property would be at risk of being appropriated for the public good.......[read more]
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Overpriced or under-analyzed?
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:00:00 CST
A look at Forbes list of cities where homes are most overpriced........[read more]
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Buy a home, get a tax credit
Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:00:00 CST
If you were thinking of buying your first home but just couldn't get it together in time to take advantage of the $8,000 federal tax credit, you have an extension. Congress gave you about five more months........[read more]
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Ask George and Chuck
Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 CST
Dear George: Where can I find someone who will insure my home?.......[read more]
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Letters of distinction
Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:00:00 CST
One certification, available only to Texas REALTORS, is called Texas Affordable Housing Specialist.......[read more]
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The tax credit isn't the only help for homebuyers
Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 CST
It looks like Congress is going to extend the homebuyer tax credit........[read more]
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Why must they lie?
Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:00:00 CST
If you could hook up a lie detector to an e-mail, the needle would be jumping on this one.......[read more]
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Even wooly-headed profs have good ideas
Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:00:00 CST
A pair of researchers at CERGE-EI, a Czech university, examined evidence about the origins of the housing bubble and whether it ever existed at all.......[read more]
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No fun being number 1
Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:00:00 CST
Texas ranks 14th in the amount residents pay in property taxes. Our state is also first in how much we pay in property taxes. How can that be?.......[read more]
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Primary owners now in the seasonal rental game
Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:00:00 CST
Approximately 15% of vacation rental owners have rented their primary residence to travelers, and the practice is becoming more common.......[read more]
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Lost in translation
Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:00:00 CST
On Nov. 3, 2009, the voters of Texas will once again have an opportunity to take a stand against the burdensome and uneven taxation of residential property.......[read more]
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Expect the unexpected (and the expected)
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:00:00 CST
The cost of home maintenance and repairs is usually one of the biggest surprises for new homeowners.......[read more]
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Time is ticking on $8,000 credit
Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:00:00 CST
I hope homebuyers understand the deadline for the $8,000 federal tax credit. Getting it wrong could cost someone a lot.......[read more]
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Market versus appraised value
Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:00:00 CST
Don't confuse the appraisal with market value. The appraised value is a certified appraiser's opinion of the worth of a home at a given point in time........[read more]
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Pre-approval or pre-qualification?
Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:00:00 CST
While both may put you in a potentially stronger buying position, getting pre-approved by the lender carries a bit more weight.......[read more]
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My house won't sell
Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:00:00 CST
There are a variety of factors that contribute to a home languishing on the market, including price, condition, and location.......[read more]
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Get your credit in shape first
Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:00:00 CST
If you are considering purchasing a home, you might want to begin by taking a look at your credit.......[read more]
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A $68,000 credit on a home? Seriously?
Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST
No, it's no joke. As a first-time homebuyer with a moderate income, you may be able to save $68,000 on a home. That's $8,000 on the purchase and $60,000 over the life of a 30-year loan.......[read more]
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Finding the right neighborhood
Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:22:00 CST
Picking a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and desires is an important part of the homebuying process........[read more]
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Safety tips for home sellers
Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:00:00 CST
If you're selling your house, there are some safety tips you should be aware of to keep yourself and others safe during the process.......[read more]
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All real estate is local
Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:00:00 CST
Is it a seller's market or a buyer's market? Be careful where you get your information to answer that question .......[read more]
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Texas has 5 of country's top 10 metros
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST
Five of the nation's top 10 metropolitan areas are in Texas.......[read more]
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Economic press bullish on Lone Star State
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST
Forbes named Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and McAllen in its Best 10 Cities for Economic Recovery........[read more]
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Texas REALTORS push pro-homeowner agenda through 81st session
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST
When the gavel fell June 1 on the 81st Texas Legislature, Texas homeowners were better off.......[read more]
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Landlord in the making?
Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST
Are you considering buying an investment home as a rental property? This may be a good time to start .......[read more]
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You can help market your home
Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 CST
Most REALTORS will tell you that marketing is one of the keys to a successful home sale. .......[read more]
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Truly affordable housing
Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 CST
Many buyers make a common mistake when purchasing a home by trying to buy too much house.......[read more]
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Eight thousand reasons to buy your first home
Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:00:00 CST
If you've been paying attention to the recent "stimulus" activities in Washington, you already get the reference to 8,000 reasons in the headline above. It's really only one reason, but it could be worth $8,000 to you.......[read more]
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Twelve tips to sell your home
Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:00:00 CST
There are few things more frustrating to a seller than a home that sits on the market. It's stressful to keep a house in showing condition, and not selling can cost you lots of money.......[read more]
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Closing costs
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:00:00 CST
Everyone knows that in most cases you'll need at least a small down payment to purchase a home.......[read more]
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Home warranties
Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:00:00 CST
After you buy an existing home, let's face it - the last thing you want to worry about is a broken big-ticket item like the air conditioner or oven.......[read more]
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The next level of clean
Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:00:00 CST
Aside from the necessary intrusions, the most inconvenient aspect of having your house on the market may well be keeping the house in showing condition.......[read more]
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Be ready to buy
Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:00:00 CST
If you find what you're looking for in a home, you should be prepared to make an offer quickly.......[read more]
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Can this be fixed?
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:00:00 CST
You've heard it 1000 times; don't ever buy a home without getting a home inspection.......[read more]
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What does the recently passed housing bill mean for you?
Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:00:00 CST
This month on our "Inside Texas Real Estate" podcast you can learn how the Housing and Economic Recovery Act helps first-time homebuyers and homeowners struggling to afford their mortgages.......[read more]
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Don't be deceived by numbers
Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:00:00 CST
There's a common statistic in the real estate world called Days on Market, or DOM. Some people believe a property that has been on the market for a while must have serious problems, but this is not necessarily the case.......[read more]
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Restricted access
Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:00:00 CST
If you're selling your home and you require advanced notice, ask your agent to put the restriction and reason in the private remarks section of MLS.......[read more]
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Disappear
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:00:00 CST
When your house is on the market, it's important to be flexible with your showing times. Part of that flexibility is having the capacity to .......[read more]
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Understanding the lingo - points
Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:00:00 CST
Points is a common word you'll hear when you're in the process of buying a home or acquiring financing. But what does it mean? .......[read more]
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Don't outsmart yourself
Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:00:00 CST
Are you one of the people who is trying to "time the market" and wait for home prices to go down before you make a purchase? Doing so may not be as wise as you think........[read more]
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Any time's a good time
Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:00:00 CST
"Now's not the best time ... can we set something up for later?" These are words that a buyer and his agent do not want to hear when they're out looking for a property.......[read more]
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What not to do
Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:00:00 CST
You'll be given all kinds of advice and pointers about what you should do and how you should do it, but there are things you shouldn't do that are equally important........[read more]
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Selling a vacant house
Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:00:00 CST
So you've accepted your new job and have moved on to your new life in a different city.......[read more]
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Not just the house
Thu, 29 May 2008 08:00:00 CST
After you've made the decision to buy a home, it pays to prioritize your needs and wants.......[read more]
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Dealing with lowball offers
Wed, 21 May 2008 08:00:00 CST
When your home is on the market, a prospective buyer may come at you with a lowball offer.......[read more]
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Maximizing your exposure
Fri, 16 May 2008 08:00:00 CST
Exposure is the key to selling fast and getting top dollar. The more people who see your home, the sooner you will find a willing buyer.......[read more]
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Different kinds of real estate Web sites
Tue, 13 May 2008 08:00:00 CST
From the way consumers acquire information about properties and neighborhoods to the way agents market themselves and their listings, real estate, like so many other industries, has been fundamentally altered by the Internet........[read more]
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Como pagar su pr?amo m?r?damente
Thu, 08 May 2008 08:00:00 CST
Una respuesta inmediata seria reestructurar su pr?amo de un plazo de 30 a?a uno de 15.......[read more]
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Fresh paint can make a difference
Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST
There are many factors that can affect the sale of your home. Many of these, like interest rates, number of buyers, and amount of competing inventory, are simply out of your control. There are, however, things that you.......[read more]
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After the inspection
Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST
You're serious about buying this house; in fact, you've already put down earnest money, the option fee, and even gotten an inspection.......[read more]
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Think about the future
Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST
Is this a starter house or one that you plan to stay in.......[read more]
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Internet presence
Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST
There's so much information on the Internet. Literally thousands of real estate sites are out there.......[read more]
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Beware of informed buyers
Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST
If you are looking to sell your home, it is not in your best interest to pick a price slightly higher than your house is worth.......[read more]
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Final walk-through
Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST
Closing is just days away! You're about to make a huge investment and you've been running around town taking care of business........[read more]
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Casa o Apartamento. ¿Qu?s mejor para usted?
Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST
Muchas personas cuando deciden comprar una vivienda, la primera imagen que les viene a la mente es una casa, con un bello jard? tal vez bordeado de una linda cerca de madera y con un bonito patio.......[read more]
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Prot?se al vender su casa
Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST
A partir del primero de enero del 2008, toda persona interesada en solicitar una licencia de agente de bienes ra?s en Texas, como vendedor o como corredor, ahora debe proveer sus huellas digitales para un chequeo del FBI sobre antecedentes criminales..[read more]
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Myths about homeownership
Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST
Many consumers believe that they can't qualify for a home loan because of a variety of reasons, including spotty credit and no money for a downpayment.......[read more]
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Entice buyers with extras
Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST
If you're putting your home on the market, or if it has been on the market for a while without solid offers, you may consider including some appliances, furniture, or other extras in the asking price.......[read more]
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El mes de la igualdad en la vivienda
Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST
Anualmente Texas se une a al resto de la naci?ara celebrar el mes de la igualdad en la vivienda.......[read more]
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Don't forget the trees
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST
It's common to consider the kitchen, bathroom, living space, and other indoor amenities, but don't forget the outside, especially the trees.......[read more]
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The tax factor
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST
You might consider consulting with a tax adviser regarding the sale's impact on your federal tax return.......[read more]
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Are discount points right for me?
Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:00:00 CST
Many decisions go into that final mortgage contract, and one involves purchasing discount points.......[read more]
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Landscaping counts
Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:00:00 CST
When you're selling your house, you obviously want it to stand out.......[read more]
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Understanding the lingo - option fee and option period
Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:00:00 CST
Many times, when an offer is made on a residential property in Texas, the prospective buyer will cut two checks: one for the option fee, another for the earnest money.......[read more]
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Coming to your senses
Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:00:00 CST
The more you do to prepare your home for market, the more money you can expect to pocket at the closing table.......[read more]
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Get your free credit report
Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:00:00 CST
If you are thinking about buying a home, it is a good idea to find out what your credit report says before applying for the loan.......[read more]
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Spend some time in your kitchen
Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:00:00 CST
The kitchen could be the most important room in a house........[read more]
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Learn about loans
Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:00:00 CST
There are many kinds of loans; the one that makes the most sense for you depends on your current situation and your plans for the future.......[read more]
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Moving out
Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:00:00 CST
If you are selling your home, create a moving checklist to ensure a smooth transition from one property to the next........[read more]
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You may need to stay put
Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:00:00 CST
Changing jobs in the midst of the process may not have a significant affect on your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan.......[read more]
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From seller to buyer
Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:00:00 CST
Although your property could sell in a couple of days, the real dilemma you may face is finding your next home........[read more]
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Understanding the lingo - escrow
Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:00:00 CST
During the process of buying your home, you'll hear the word escrow thrown around. It's easy to get confused because the term can refer to different things that occur at different times.......[read more]
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Protect yourself
Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:00:00 CST
While it's certainly not common, there are reports of sellers' possessions disappearing during a showing.......[read more]
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Take an impromptu visit
Tue, 05 Feb 2008 08:00:00 CST
When you begin narrowing your selection or you find that you've fallen head-over-heels in love with a certain house.......[read more]
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